FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ
What is a chiropractic adjustment/manipulation? Contrary to what some may believe, chiropractors do not “realign the spine” or “pop things back into place”. The chiropractic adjustment or manipulation refers to a technique used to improve motion/mobility in a joint that is fixated or restricted in a particular movement. The chiropractor uses this technique with the aim of returning normal function and motion of that given joint restriction. When performing an adjustment, the gentle force applied to the restricted joint(s) stretches the joint capsule surrounding the target joints which in turn creates a pressure change in the fluid of the joint. That pressure change within the synovial fluid can then form a gaseous bubble which results in the “popping” or “cracking” sound that may accompany an adjustment. However, whether there is an accompanying “pop” during an adjustment is not an indication of an effective or ineffective adjustment. Reassessing the movement of the target joints or your ability to function after the adjustment is what is most important.
What do adjustments do? There are a multitude of complex mechanisms behind the adjustment and how they can help individuals. Some of them include: • Decreased pain and stiffness: through stimulation of mechanical receptors in the joint to reduce the amount of pain signals that can travel to and reach the brain • Improved range of motion: Through joint stretching during the adjustment or mobilization to increase both active segmental (focal) range of motion and global (whole body) range of motion • Improved joint perception: Loading the joint increases stimulation of mechanical receptors to the brain to increase awareness of joint position in the body, muscle coordination and muscle control. These in turn can play a key role in athletic performance and injury rehabilitation. • Reduced muscle tension: Specific nerves that supply muscles near the joints that are adjusted are reflexively stimulated to relax the muscles and increase their ability to stretch • Activation of inhibited musculature: A combination of nerve stimulation to nearby muscles and increased joint perception, the body gains an improved ability to activate musculature that may be under utilized
Do I need to be in pain to see a chiropractor? No! If you feel as though there is something limiting you in your lifestyle or if there are particular health/fitness goals you are wanting to achieve, consulting with your chiropractor is a great place to start. Of course the majority of people coming into the chiropractors office will be in pain whether it is insignificant or debilitating. Your chiropractor should be able to help you along the way no matter where you are in your health journey. We typically advocate for taking a proactive wellness care/supportive care approach in order to keep you feeling and performing at your best while also minimizing your risk for injury or irritation.
Do I need to be adjusted during my appointment? Definitely not. Your chiropractor should be taking a thorough assessment in order to determine what your diagnosis is and the most appropriate treatment for your given conditions. If your chiropractor thinks that an adjustment would be beneficial, that will be a part of the discussion and you have an opportunity to voice if you are comfortable with that or not. If you are at all nervous about the procedure or typically do not respond well to it there are other alternatives that you can pursue to accomplish the same treatment goals. If you have any concerns about getting a chiropractic adjustment, make sure to communicate that with your chiropractor and they should be able to work with you and ensure you are comfortable with the treatment you are receiving.
What is the difference between a chiropractor and a physiotherapist? • In my opinion, if you find a really good chiropractor and a really good physiotherapist they should be very similar and incredibly difficult to determine the difference. Both professions are trained to manage musculoskeletal conditions through a conservative lens including hands on manual therapy, passive modalities, rehabilitative exercises and joint mobilizations. The largest difference in education is that chiropractors spend more time learning joint manipulation and mobilization techniques in order to effectively treat joint related complaints. However, chiropractors are also thoroughly trained in physical rehabilitation and should be utilizing those principles in order to best serve each patient's needs. If they aren't, they may be missing a big piece of the puzzle within your care. Typically both professions work best when they collaborate and co-manage patient care. If you are ever confused about who to go and see for your given condition, the most important thing is to start by finding a provider that you trust and they can provide insight on how to direct your care after evaluation.